Framed black and white portrait installed in a bedroom

Portrait Commissions

Portraits finished
as artwork

A guided half-day or full-day session, shaped around the portrait you want to make. Hair and basic makeup are included. Each commission ends with handmade archival silver gelatin prints, with albums and wall portraits depending on the scope.

Half day or full day Silver gelatin prints Northern California

The Offering

One commission. Built to the right scale

Most clients do not need a complicated menu. They need to know what the portrait is meant to become, how much time it needs, and what kind of support should be brought in.

Some portraits need a focused half-day. Others need a full day, more looks, and a larger finished body of work. We decide the scope after the consultation, based on the concept, the wardrobe, the final artwork, and the level of production needed.

Starting point

Commissions begin at $2,500. Hair and basic makeup are included. Silver gelatin prints are standard. Full-day commissions and additional production are quoted after consultation. Payment plans are available.

The Commission

Focused or extended

The difference is scope, not quality. A half-day keeps the story focused. A full day gives the work more range, more wardrobe, and more finished artwork.

Half-day scope

Focused Commission

From $2,500 For a clear portrait story
  • Best forA focused portrait story
  • TimeHalf-day session in studio, at home, or on location
  • Looks2 to 3 looks
  • SupportHair and basic makeup included. Additional production quoted as needed
  • PreviewShort same-day preview when the concept and timing allow
  • Prints5 finished archival 8x10 handmade silver gelatin prints
  • ArtworkChoice of 1 finished 16x20 print or 1 20-page album
  • ProcessSilver gelatin standard. Platinum prints available as an upgrade
Start with a consult

Full-day scope

Extended Commission

Quoted after consultation For range, story, and larger artwork
  • Best forA larger body of work with range
  • TimeFull-day session in studio, at home, or on location
  • Looks4 to 6 looks
  • SupportHair and basic makeup included. Stylist, costume designer, assistants, or creative team added as needed
  • PreviewShort same-day preview when the concept and timing allow
  • Prints10 finished archival 8x10 handmade silver gelatin prints
  • Artwork1 finished 30x40 wall portrait and 1 20-page album
  • ProcessSilver gelatin standard. Platinum prints available as an upgrade
Begin a commission

Production

Some portraits need more hands

The starting commission includes hair and basic makeup. If the concept calls for more support, we price that clearly before the day is booked.

i.

Beauty

Hair and basic makeup are included. Extended on-set touchups can be added for larger productions or more complex looks.

ii.

Wardrobe

Some clients need light direction. Others need a stylist, costume designer, pulled options, fittings, or shopping support.

iii.

Location

A studio, home, hotel, coast, or second location changes timing, travel, permits, and support.

iv.

Artwork

Files are not the end point. Handmade silver gelatin prints, albums, and larger wall pieces are planned around the final images.

The Finish

The work should have a place to live

The portrait does not have to become a large framed piece. But it should become something you can hold, keep, or see every day. Silver gelatin prints are standard. We make the final artwork decisions after the reveal, when the right images are clear.

Framed portrait artwork in a bedroom
Open portrait album on a table
Large framed portrait above a sofa

Questions

Enough clarity to start

Is hair and makeup included?

Yes. Hair and basic makeup are included with each commission. If the concept needs extended touchups, a stylist, costume designer, or a larger creative team, I will quote that clearly before anything is booked.

Do I choose half-day or full-day?

Not alone. We start with the portrait you want to make, then choose the right scope. A half-day usually supports 2 to 3 looks. A full day usually supports 4 to 6.

Do I see anything the same day?

When the concept and timing allow, we will do a short preview before you leave. The final selection and artwork plan happen after I have edited the work properly.

Are payment plans available?

Yes. Payment plans are available, and we can discuss timing during the consultation.

Where do sessions happen?

Most sessions happen in Sacramento, the Bay Area, or elsewhere in Northern California. Studio, home, hotel, and location work are all possible.

What if I do not know how to pose?

You do not need to. Direction is part of the work. I will guide the pace, posture, hands, movement, and stillness.

Start with a conversation

Tell me what you are thinking about: the portrait, the timing, the reason it matters, and what you want the finished work to become. I will help shape the right scope.

Schedule a Consult